Up-Close and Personal with FST Alumni

The Sunway University Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) held their very first Up-Close and Personal with FST Alumni gathering in October this year. The gathering saw alumni members coming back to share their working experience with current final year students.

Alumni members who shared their working experience were Nicole Lee, Registered Staff Nurse at ICU, Sunway Medical Centre, Chong Kim Phui, Registered Staff Nurse at Sunway Medical Centre, Gerard Goh Nai King, Benchmark and Development Specialist at D’Jungle People, Amanullah Abdur Rahman, Business and Systems Integration Analyst at Accenture and Jagadesan Chandra Mohan, Technical Support Engineer at F-Secure and Group Operational Director of Mitra Interiors.

Sunway FST students and members of the alumni during the Q & A session at the Graduate Centre

Second cohort of students and alumni members joined the Sunway Mentoring Programme

Within a year of its launch, the Sunway Mentoring Programme has become the ‘talk of the town’. First launched in April this year, a second cohort of undergraduate students eagerly joined the mentoring programme in October 2013 at Sunway University. The programme launched by Ms Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway Education Group, is a one-on-one partnership between members of Sunway Alumni and LEAP Platinum students. Selected students, from bachelor’s programmes are chosen in recognition of their strong academic credentials from the various departments of Accounting, Banking and Finance, Marketing, Management, IT and Psychology. The goal of this programme is to groom students, through coaching sessions in real life situations on core competencies in the workplace. By taking students out of their structured daily classroom setting, the aim is to expose them to the constant changing pace of real life situations and to empower them with the skills and knowledge for professional and personal growth.

The Sunway Alumni mentors are selected professionals from their respective fields who bring with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise. The mentees, top students of Sunway University are equipped with strong academic credentials and classroom knowledge in their areas of study. The pairing of these two parties is hoped to create a win-win partnership that is essential to the success of the programme.

FOUNDER AND CHANCELLOR OF SUNWAY UNIVERSITY, TAN SRI DR JEFFREY CHEAH RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTORATE FROM LANCASTER UNIVERSITY

Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, AO, Founder and Chancellor of Sunway University and Founding Trustee of Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, received an honorary doctorate from Lancaster University at the Sunway University Graduation Ceremony last Friday, 11 October 2013.

Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, a well-known leader in education sector and social entrepreneur was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD hc) in recognition of his outstanding contributions in developing education internationally, as well as, making the collaboration between Sunway University and Lancaster University the growing success that it is today.

Prof Mark E. Smith, Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University, conferring the honorary degree to Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, Founder and Chancellor of Sunway University

Students’ innovation benefits Bandar Sunway community

Long waiting time at bus stops may be a matter of the past for bus users in the Sunway Resort City.

In conjunction with the Youth Leadership Academy 2013 organised by McKinsey Kuala Lumpur Office, the Team MYUNIBUS launched its University Shuttle Tracking Website portal on 9th September 2013 at Sunway University. This myunibus.com is the first website portal that tracks university shuttle buses in Malaysia which aims to reduce unnecessary waiting time at bus stops.

MYUNIBUS launched : (From the left) Chow Yee Yen, Adam Malik, Tan Li Jean, Jeremiah, Elizabeth Lee, Prof Graeme Wilkinson, Lee Siok Ping, Assoc Prof Dr. Foo Yin Fah, Edna Tan and Dr. Lau Sian Lun

Arched-rivals pit their arguments at Sunway University

Malaysian students from two oldest universities in the United Kingdom, University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, enthralled the audience recently in a debate hosted by Sunway University. The topic of the day was “The house believes that university education should be free.”

The speakers from University of Cambridge, Loo Han Rong, Ian Beh and Shawn Tan stood by the argument, education should be free while Shivy Siva, Jish Lim and Halian Fadzli Shah from University of Oxford vetoed the argument. Both teams raised strong points to support their arguments but the team from Cambridge emerged winners and walked away with the Goh Cheng Teik Cup.

(From left to right) Ian Halsall, Loo Han Rong, Ian Beh and Shawn Tan with Tan Sri Dr Lin See Yan and Dato’ Dr Goh Cheng Teik.

Freakshow(case), an art exhibition at Sunway University

Sunway University’s Department of Art and Design (DAD) for the first time organised an exhibition, titled ‘Freakshow(case)’. The students, comprising of the Diploma in Graphic and Multimedia Design, Diploma in Interior Design and Diploma in Fine Art showcased their work to students, teachers and industry experts at the studio in Sunway University.

Artwork on display during the Sunway DAD Freakshow(case)

Sunway University and Hilti Asia IT to collaborate on research and development and share expertise

Sunway University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with construction solutions company, Hilti Asia IT Services Sdn Bhd last week, to collaborate on research and share expertise on specific technology.

The MoU is also expected to facilitate exchange of ideas, expertise and visits in the pursuit of research and development as well as curriculum development and jointly participate in seminars and conferences relevant to the industry.

(From left to right) Thoo Poh Wai, Regional IT Infrastructure Team Lead at Hilti; Dr. Christoph Baeck; Elizabeth Lee; Professor Graeme Wilkinson and Professor Poh Chit Laa, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology.

Sunway students’ WHAT bazaar in aid of Women

Following the biggest trend in town, Sunway University’s Diploma in Events Management students organised a bazaar to raise money for women who are suffering from mental, emotional and physical abuse and financial issues. The event titled WHAT Baazar, that stood for Women Hoping for A better Tomorrow showcased a range of activities that were fashion and art centred.

Held at Jaya One, some of the activities that took place included the fashion show, live bands, make-up tutorials, martial arts demonstrations, talks, lucky draws and interviews with celebrities such as Sazzy Falak and Dina Nadzir. According to the Head of Sponsorship of the project, Dayangku Selviah, the interview with both these celebrities were enlightening and fun. “Just five minutes into the interview with these amazing personalities was enough to give us insights into how these modern women stayed fabulous despite their hectic lifestyles,” she quipped. Sazzy and Dina also shared their thoughts on society today and shared some advice to listeners.

Adeline Kok (in red) with the Diploma in Events Management students at the WHAT bazaar.

Sunway’s DAD student to conceptualise New University Building Concourse area

Sunway University’s Department of Art and Design (DAD) students were recently presented with an opportunity to design the New University Building concourse area as a requirement for their academic project. The “Think to Make a Difference” competition was designed to provide students with a platform to exercise their skills and knowledge through their designs and implement them into a real life setting that will give them added confidence and an enriching work experience. The designs were evaluated based on vision and ideas for effective use of space, conduciveness, comfort, sustainability and represented a strong cultural identity to Sunway University.

At the unveiling of the “Think to Make a Difference” project, Sujithra a/p Kunasakaran emerged winner with her design and walked away with RM 3,000 cash. She thanked the organisers with an impromptu speech, “Being in Sunway and being able to contribute to a building and leave our mark on it is something very valuable to all of us from the DAD”.

Sujithra receiving the mock cheque from Lee Weng Keng for emerging winner of the “Think to make a Difference” competition.

SUNWAY INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP ESTABLISHED AT SUNWAY UNIVERSITY

Sunway University, owned and governed by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF), recently set up the Sunway Institute for Social Entrepreneurship (SISE). The Institute aspires to be a leading and influential centre for the advancement of social entrepreneurship in Malaysia. It drew inspiration from the JCF which is the largest social enterprise in Malaysia with a unique operating model.

SISE was established as an extension of the socially entrepreneurial vision of JCF’s founder, Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah to give back to society and to leave a lasting contribution that makes a real difference in people’s lives. It was approved by the Academic Senate of Sunway University in September 2012.

From left, Associate Professor Dr Foo Yin Fah, Director, Sunway University Institute of Social Enterprise; Serena Cheah, Managing Director, Group Strategy & Corporate Development, The Sunway Group; Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director, Sunway University and the Sunway Education Group; Lee Weng Keng, CEO, Education & Healthcare Division, The Sunway Group; Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah; Datuk Seri Razman M. Hashim, Pro-Chancellor, Sunway University; Tan Sri Dr. Ramon Navaratnam, Pro-Chancellor, Sunway University and Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Vice-Chancellor, Sunway University

Envisioning a world of courageous leaders with Dr Pamela Hartigan

Sunway University recently invited Dr Pamela Hartigan, Director of the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford to present a talk under the Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah Distinguished Speaker Series (TSJCDSS). Dr Hartigan who is one of the world’s leading proponents for social entrepreneurship, presented a talk titled, “Needed: Courageous Leaders to Rethink Business and Charity”. The talk covered how the 20th century models of leaderships are no longer appropriate to adequately address the increasingly complex and interconnected world we live in today and how to break away from this out-dated way of operating, using 21st century models of leaderships as we evolve to become better leaders.

Dr Pamela Hartigan during the talk at Sunway University recently.

Nick Vujicic spoke to the Sunway student community

Motivational speaker extraordinaire, Nick Vujicic attracted an audience of 5,000 people to his first public talk in Malaysia at Sunway University campus recently. The talk was primarily organised for students of Sunway Education Group particularly Sunway University and Monash University, Sunway campus, with limited passes for the public. The registration to the public opened on first-come-first-served basis via online registration with no entrance fee. The registration site went live at 8pm on 17 May 2013 and the free tickets were all taken up within 45 minutes.

The talk was sponsored by Jeffrey Cheah Foundation and Sunway University as part of their effort to bring in top international speakers on Malaysian soil. Sunway University is already known for 8 years, as the host of the Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah Distinguished Speakers Series, which organises talks at the campus for free.

 

A PARISIAN AFFAIR: Sunway University hosts French-inspired appreciation luncheon for Teachers

In conjunction with Teacher's Day on May 16, Sunway University hosted an appreciation luncheon for secondary school teachers from Klang Valley at the Multipurpose Hall, Sunway Monash Residence. Teachers, including principals and those from private and international schools, were treated to an afternoon of Parisian chic with a French-inspired theme.

MIMOS and Sunway University ink agreement to collaborate on security technology

MIMOS, the national R & D centre in ICT signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Sunway University recently.

MIMOS and Sunway University intend to collaborate on security technology through the sharing of their respective technologies and expertise to jointly develop mobile applications and business solutions incorporating cryptographic framework and visual interaction mechanisms in support of business processes in areas inclusive of, but not limited to education, retail, hospitality, finance and facility management. The two parties hope to commercialise the joint technology.

Sunway University signed an agreement with MIMOS to collaborate on security technology. From left to right, Professor David Ngo, Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Elizabeth Lee, Thillai Raj and Ng Kang Siong

Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Vice-Chancellor, Sunway University signed on behalf of Sunway University, witnessed by Professor David Ngo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Higher Degrees). MIMOS was represented by Thillai Raj, Chief Technology Officer, and Ng Kang Siong, Director of the Information Security Laboratory. The signing ceremony was witnessed was Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director, Sunway University and Sunway Education Group

Sunway University has expertise in mobile and client-server development and has developed and continues to develop mobile and client-server applications, primarily in connection with, in support of business processes in areas inclusive of but not limited to education, retail, hospitality, finance and facility management.

Professor Graeme Wilkinson said “The signing of this important agreement demonstrates that Sunway University’s researchers are working at the forefront of ICT security technologies. The collaboration with MIMOS will enable us jointly to develop further and commercially exploit such technologies. The results of this research will also inform our teaching and ensure that our students are exposed to ideas at the very forefront of technological advances”.

Meanwhile, MIMOS Information Security team will lend their domain expertise in Single Sign-On mechanisms, Device-side mechanisms, Cryptographic protocols and Network security framework.

Thillai Raj said, “MIMOS’ Information Security cluster focuses on providing a self-sufficient, highly secure computing environment and information infrastructure. We focus on trusted infrastructure and trusted platform for pervasive computing, aimed at developing Malaysia’s homegrown technology in cyber security to bolster self-reliance in order to maintain its e-sovereignty”.

Waking up the brain with Professor Donald Pfaff

Sunway University’s popular Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah Distinguished Speaker Series (TSJCDSS) recently invited Professor Donald W. Pfaff, Head of the Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behaviour at The Rockefeller University to present a lecture titled Waking up the Brain: Mechanisms Underlying the Central Nervous System Arousal.

Professor Donald Pfaff presenting a talk under the TSJCDSS.

Sunway Resort City To Become 100% Smoke-Free

At the official launch of the Malaysian Blue Ribbon Campaign held recently at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway Group Founder and Chairman Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah announced that Sunway Resort City is joining the global initiative to curb smoking by moving towards becoming a Smoke-Free Township.

Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah pledges his right to clean air witnessed by Minister of Health Malaysia Dato Sri Liow Tiong Lai , WHO Representative to Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei, Dr Graham Harrison, CEO of Malaysia Health Promotion Board, Datuk Dr Yahya Baba and Deputy Director General (Public Health), Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaimman

Sunway students reach out to refugee kids

A group of Myanmar refugee children have been receiving tuition classes given voluntarily by Sunway students since August 2011.

The students, from Sunway University and Sunway College are all members of the Sunway Volunteer Society who have committed themselves to give classes every Friday morning in Geography, English, Math and Art to the children at a church in Petaling Jaya. There are currently 60 children in the weekly classes and are aged from 4 to 16 years.

Chang (left) with some of the refugee youngsters

Sunway CTHCM students bringing K-Pop to a higher level

Leveraging on the K-Pop craze that is taking Asia by the storm, students from the Diploma in Events Management, Centre for Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Management (CTHCM) Sunway University introduced Korean traditions in a community event titled “희망 Hee Mang” which means “Hope” in Korean, at the Sunway Lagoon Club. The event exposed students to a new learning process in events and exhibitions operations.

London Boys performing the ‘Gangnam Style’ during the event.